COLIN AND JUSTIN: The rules of modern rustic

The combination of steel and timber is a must-have for the rustic look.

Make no mistake about it: the freshness of summer decor ain’t lost on us. We, like so many others, love the beach vibe: all painted wood finishes and frothy, schematic detailing.

Sling in a few jaunty elements (such as textiles, throws and ceramics) and, before long, you’ll be chartering an adventure with (imaginary) sand between your toes and the sun beating down on your Vitamin D starved face. Bliss, huh?

Yet, as much as we love that variety of home front indulgence, we also adore the ‘cabin porn’ esthetic. You know; all warm woodsy tones, heavy metal accessories and rich textural layering.

To be honest: it’s a look we’ve championed for clients – and across our own projects – for years. Part ‘post industrial’ meets ‘farmhouse’, part ‘urban country’ meets ‘contemporary cottage’. And all parts gorgeous .

In short, it’s a schematic mash up we call ‘modern rustic’, and it fits more than comfortably within the vacation home landscape. Or, for that matter, within the urban (or suburban) home profile where a spot of Canadian escapism is the project’s holy grail .

And so, the foregoing in mind, we thought it might be useful to compose a ‘C&J Rules of Modern Rustic’ hit list. Study it carefully, and watch as atmosphere builds…

Rule 1 – Strengthen your look with wood and heavy metal

Be inspired by timber-lined homes featuring vaulted architecture and industrial steel fenestration. Replicate a bit of that feeling with a chunky barn door, cedar ‘penny groove’ ceilings and a shot of colour (red remains bang on trend) to achieve great results each time.

Rule 2 – Bunk Beds are a must

Bunk beds immediately suggest the rustic lifestyle, so think ‘funky my bunkie’ and opt for a custom carpenter install, or moderate costs with great value options from Ikea who have some seriously good ‘top and bottom’ solutions.

Rule 3 – Mix rough wood with smooth stone

Pairing opposites works really well. A hand thrown black vase, for instance will look super rustic if positioned atop a whitewashed antique table. Or specify ultra sleek quartz countertop and play it against antique barn board or textural tile finishes.

Rule 4 – Bring the outside in

Blurring the lines between outdoors and is a typically rustic pursuit, so choose weathered woods, antique storm lamps and natural linens to conspire a holiday vibe whatever the weather.

Rule 5 – Branch out with accessories

Reap the rewards of the forest and be inspired by accessories made from twigs, branches and other natural elements like jute, rope and basketry.

Soft leather sofas in honey or earthy brown tones are sublime when it comes to ‘modern rustic’, as are denim cushions, loose weave textiles and jute rugs. Pile beds with feather filled cushions and toss pillows, and chose vintage style angle poise lamps to anchor your project. Black accessories (as we discussed a couple of week’s back) balance everything, so fire up your ‘jet’ and get to it.

Rule 8 – Mix modern and traditional

Imagine a stone pebble shaped basin atop a smooth quartz concrete slab or a modern bowl sink on a repurposed sewing machine table. Interplay such as this looks quirky and much less ‘off the shelf’. It’s always better to ‘compliment’ schematic aspects rather than trying to make everything ‘match’.

Rule 9 – Refined Recycling

Old farmhouse doors can be situated on modern trestle legs, and old furniture sanded and painted (and then partially sanded again) to create an aged, weather worn look. The trick is to put weathered items in clean and unfussy spaces so you can stand back and appreciate their ‘defined’ beauty.

Rule 10 – Spell it out

Make bold and immediately understandable statements with artworks that depict rustic elements – deer, mountains, forest and cabin images, for example, are all good… though wolf-depicting tea towels are probably a howl from the past best left behind.

We hope you’re feeling inspired. Many people are having a seasonal clear out, so consignment stores, on-line auctions and yard sales are currently doing big business. This in mind, mightn’t now be the perfect time to get out there and start ‘shopping’ your brand new look? Aye, the ‘Modern Rustic’ revolution starts here!